Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device is provided and includes first display area including first pixel; second display area including second pixels and provided next to first display area; light shield surrounding first and second display areas separately, first slit provided in light shield, first sealant surrounding first and second display areas; and second sealant located between first and second display areas, wherein second sealant comprises at least one opening which communicates first and second display areas to each other, and first slit is provided along outer circumference of first display area and outer circumference of second display area, and overlaps base end of second sealant which is connected with first sealant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/797,739, filed Feb. 21, 2020, which claims the benefit of priorityfrom Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-034660, filed Feb. 27, 2019,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a display device comprising a plurality of displayareas on the same substrate has been proposed. Each of the display areasis provided with a light shield. The light shield has conductivity, sothe display area may be charged through the light shield by applying anunexpected electric charge from an outside of the display device. Thatmay cause various defects, which result in deteriorating the displayquality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the displaydevice.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the displaydevice.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a main structure of a first substrate.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the spatial relationship of a signal line,a second sealant, a first slit and a second slit.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of an area A shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of a display panel taken along line A-B lineon the signal line shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the display panel PNL taken along line C-Dshown in FIG. 9.

SUMMARY

The present application relates to a display device.

According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first displayarea in which a first pixel is provided, a second display area providednext to the first display area, in which a second pixel is provided anda light shield surrounding the first display area and the second displayarea separately, and the light shield includes a first slit surroundingat least one of the first display area and the second display area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a display device comprises afirst display area in which a first pixel is provided, a second displayarea, in which a second pixel is provided, provided next to the firstdisplay area, and a light shield surrounding the first display area andthe second display area separately, and the light shield includes afirst slit surrounding at least one of the first display area and thesecond display area.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and properchanges within the spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivableby a skilled person, are included in the scope of the invention as amatter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make thedescription clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes, etc., of therespective parts are schematically illustrated in the drawings, comparedto the actual modes. However, the schematic illustration is merely anexample, and adds no restrictions to the interpretation of theinvention. Besides, in the specification and drawings, the same elementsas those described in connection with preceding drawings are denoted bylike reference numerals, and an overlapping detailed description thereofmay be omitted unless otherwise necessary.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice DSP of an embodiment. In this embodiment, a liquid crystaldisplay device is will be as an example of the display device.

The display device DSP comprises a display panel PNL and an IC chip 1.Here, for the sake of convenience, a direction along short edges of thedisplay panel PNL is defined as the first direction X, a direction alonglong edges of the display panel PNL is defined as the second directionY, and a thickness direction of the display panel PNL is defined as thethird direction Z. For example, the first direction X, the seconddirection Y and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other butmay intersect at an angle other than ninety degrees.

The display panel PNL comprises a first display area DA1 and a seconddisplay area DA2, which display images, and a light shield LS. The firstdisplay area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are arranged along thesecond direction Y. In the first display area DA1, a plurality of firstpixels PX1 are provided, and in the second display area DA2, a pluralityof second pixels PX2 are provided. The first pixels PX1 and secondpixels PX2 are arrayed in a matrix along the first direction X and thesecond direction Y. The configuration of the first pixels PX1 and thesecond pixels PX2 will be described later. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, each of the first display area DA1 and the second display areaDA2 is formed quadrangular, but a quadrangular structure with roundedcorners or such a structure that a portion of an edge is recessedtowards the center can be employed as well. The structure may be someother polygonal, circular or elliptical.

The light shield LS is indicated by slash lines. The light shield LSincludes a first light shield LS1 which surrounds the first display areaDA1 and the second display area DA2 together, and a second light shieldLS2 provided between the first display area DA1 and the second displayarea DA2. The second light shield LS2 is connected with the first lightshield LS1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first light shieldLS1 is formed into a frame shape along an outer periphery of the displaypanel PNL. Moreover, the second light shield LS2 is formed to extendlinearly along the first direction X between the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2 are defined by the first light shield LS1 andthe second light shield LS2, respectively.

The light shield LS comprises a first slit SL1 surrounding the firstdisplay area DA1 and a second slit SL2 surrounding the second displayarea DA2. The second slit SL2 is separated away from the first slit SL1.The first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 are formed respectively inthe first light shield LS1 and the second light shield LS2 and they areeach formed into a rectangular shape.

The display panel PNL comprises a first substrate SUB1, a secondsubstrate SUB2, a liquid crystal layer LC, a first sealant SE1, andsecond sealant SE2. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrateSUB2 overlap each other along the third direction Z. The light shield LSis provided on the second substrate SUB2. The liquid crystal layer LCincludes a liquid crystal material containing liquid crystal molecules,and held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2,and is provided in the first display area DA1 and the second displayarea DA2. A cell gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 is formed from a spacer provided in each of the firstdisplay area DA1 and the second display area DA2. The first sealant SE1and the second sealant SE2 each contain fillers (spacers in sealant)which maintain the cell gap.

The first sealant SE1 surrounds the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2. More specifically, the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2 comprise opposing sides S11 and S21adjacent to each other, and peripheral sides S12 and S22, which areother than the opposing sides S11 and S21. The first sealant SE1 isprovided along the peripheral sides S12 and S22 of the first and seconddisplay areas DA1 and DA2. The first sealant SE1 is entirely overlaid onthe first light shield LS1, adheres the first substrate SUB1 and thesecond substrate SUB2 each other and seals the liquid crystal layer LC.For example, the first sealant SE1 is formed into a loop shape whichcontinuously goes around without breaking off.

The second sealant SE2 is located between the first display area DA1 andthe second display area DA2. The second sealant SE2 is formed to extendlinearly along the first direction X. The second sealant SE2 is overlaidon the second light shield LS2 so as to adhere the first substrate SUB1and the second substrate SUB2 together as in the first sealant SE1. Thesecond sealant SE2 is connected with the first sealant SE1. When thefirst sealant SE1 and the second sealant SE2 are rendered with adispenser, the first sealant SE1 and the second sealant SE2 can be drawnwith one stroke. The first slit SL1 is located between the first sealantSE1 and the peripheral side S12 of first display area DA1, and betweenthe second sealant SE2 and the opposing side S11 of the first displayarea DA1. The second slit SL2 is located between the first sealant SE1and the peripheral side S22 of the second display area DA2, and betweenthe second sealant SE2 and the opposing side S21 of the second displayarea DA2.

The second sealant SE2 comprises at least one opening OP whichcommunicates the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2to each other. In the example illustrated, the second sealant SE2comprises one opening OP. In the opening OP, the liquid crystal materialin the second display area DA2 is allowed to flow into the first displayarea DA1 or the liquid crystal material in the second display area DA2is allowed to flow into the first display area DA1. In other words, afirst room R1, (see FIG. 10) surrounded by the first substrate SUB1, thesecond substrate SUB2, the first sealant SE1 and the second sealant SE2,is provided in the first display area DA1. A second room R2 (see FIG.10), surrounded by the first substrate SUB1, the second substrate SUB2,the first sealant SE1 and the second sealant SE2 is provided in thesecond display area DA2. Moreover, a communicating channel (opening OP)which communicates the first room R1 and the second room R2 to eachother, is formed in the second sealant SE2, and the first room R1, thesecond room R2 and the communicating channel are filled by the liquidcrystal layer LC. Thus, the liquid crystal material of the liquidcrystal layer LC can flow from the first room R1 into the second room R2and also from the second room R2 into the first room R1 via thecommunicating channel. Note that the shape of the second sealant SE2 isnot limited to that of the example illustrated. For example, the secondsealant SE2 may be separated from the first sealant SE1.

The first substrate SUB1 includes a mounting portion MA. The IC chip 1is mounted on the mounting portion MA. The mounting portion MA includesa terminal portion TA for electrically connecting the flexible printedcircuit substrate 2 indicated by a dotted line. Note that the IC chip 1may be mounted on the flexible printed circuit substrate 2.

According to this embodiment, the light shield LS includes the firstslit SL1 which surrounds only the first display area DA1 and the secondslit SL2 which surrounds only the second display area DA2. That is,parts of the light shield LS, which are located an inner side withrespect to the first slit SL1 and an inner side with respect to thesecond slit SL2, are separated from a part located on an outer side withrespect to the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2. This structuresuppresses an application of external static electricity to the displayareas DA1, DA2 via the light shield LS at the point of manufacturing oruse of the display device DSP. For example, it is possible to inhibitstatic electricity from being charged on the first display area DA1 orthe second display area DA2 during the manufacturing process to cut alarge-sized substrate into each individual display panel or inspect thepanel. Thus, display defect, which may result from that sort ofstatic-electricity-caused drawback, can be suppressed and deteriorationin display quality can be suppressed.

Moreover, the display panel PNL of this embodiment is manufactured, forexample, in the following manner. That is, the loop-shaped first sealantSE1 is formed on the first substrate SUB1 and also the linear secondsealant SE2 is formed. Then, the liquid crystal material is dropped onan inner side surrounded by the first sealant SE1. After that, the firstsubstrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are adhered together by thefirst sealant SE1 and the second sealant SE2. At this time, the firstsealant SE1 is overlaid on the first light shield LS1 provided in thesecond substrate SUB2, and the second sealant SE2 is overlaid on thesecond light shield LS2 provided in the second substrate SUB2. Theamount of the liquid crystal material dropped is determined based on thecell gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2,etc. In the step of dropping the liquid crystal material, even if thecapacity of each of the first and second display areas DA1 and DA2 (thatis, the volume of each room) to the dropping amount at a set valueslightly increases or decreases due to individual difference from onedisplay panel PNL to another, the liquid crystal material can flowbetween the first display area DA1 (first room R1) and the seconddisplay area DA2 (second room R2) via the opening OP and thus thevolumes of the liquid crystal material in the first display area DA1 andthe second display area DA2 can be made even. Therefore, the differencein display quality between the first display area DA1 and the seconddisplay area DA2 is reduced. Moreover, the margin of the dropping amountwith respect to the set value can be expanded.

Moreover, for example, when a load is applied to the first display areaDA1 (first room R1), the liquid crystal material of the first displayarea DA1 (first room R1) moves (flows out) towards the second displayarea DA2 (second room R2) via the opening OP. When the load is released,the liquid crystal material of the second display area DA2 (second roomR2) flows towards the first display area DA1 (first room R1) via theopening OP. Or, even if the display panel PNL is distorted (like a localshrinkage of the cell gap in the display areas) due to the outflow ofthe liquid crystal material when a load is applied, the distortion ofthe display panel PNL is canceled due to the inflow of the liquidcrystal material when the load is released, the cell gap is restored tothe state before being distorted. Thus, when the load is released, thedisplay state is recovered quickly to the original state.

Further, since the second sealant SE2 is provided between the firstdisplay area DA1 and the second display area DA2, an adhesion portionbetween the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 is formedalso in a central portion of the display panel PNL in the display panelas a whole. Therefore, warping of the substrate in the central portionof the display panel PNL(, which is near a section between the firstdisplay area DA1 and the second display area DA2) is suppressed.Consequently, the deterioration in display quality can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, as will be described later with respect to FIG. 1,first and second black matrixes BM1 and BM2 are formed respectively inthe first and second display areas DA1 and DA2. According to thisstructure, the display device DSP of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1comprises an outer light shield ELS, which is an outer side of the firstand second slits SL1 and SL2, and an inner light shield ILS, which is aninner side of the first and second slits SL1 and SL2. More specifically,in this embodiment, the inner light shield ILS comprises a first innerlight shield ILS1 provided in the first display area DA1 on an innerside of the first slit SL1 and a second inner light shield ILS2 providedin the second display area DA2 on an inner side of the second slit SL2.

The outer light shield ELS includes an outer frame EF provided along theperipheral sides S12 and S22 of the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2, and an outer bridge EBR provided along theopposing sides S11 and S21 of the first display area DA1 and the seconddisplay area DA2. The outer frame EF is provided to cover the firstsealant SL1, and the outer bridge EBR is provided to cover the secondsealant SL2 and the opening OP.

Moreover, the first inner light shield ILS1 comprises a first frame IF1provided along the first slit SL1 and a first black matrix BM1 providedin the first frame IF1. The first black matrix BM1 is formed to compriseopenings at positions opposing the pixel electrodes of the pixels, andfour peripheral sides thereof are connected with the first frame IF1.Similarly, the second inner light shield ILS2 comprises a second innerframe IF2 provided along the second slit SL2 and a second black matrixBM2 provided in the second inner frame IF2. The second black matrix BM2is formed to comprise openings at positions opposing the pixelelectrodes of the pixels, and four peripheral sides thereof areconnected with the second inner frame IF2.

Moreover, the first light shield LS1 includes the outer frame EF, aportion of the first inner frame IF1 which corresponds to the peripheralside S12 of the first display area DA1, and a portion of the secondinner frame IF2 which corresponds to the peripheral side S22 of thesecond display area DA2. The second light shield LS2 includes the outerbridge EBR, a portion of the first inner frame IF1 which corresponds tothe opposing side S11 of the first display area DA and, a portion of thesecond inner frame IF2 which corresponds to the opposing side S21 of thesecond display area DA2. The first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 areformed across the first light shield LS1 and the second light shield LS2as described above.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the displaydevice DSP.

The configuration example shown in FIG. 2 is different from that of FIG.1 in that the first slit SL1 surrounds both of the first display areaDA1 and the second display area DA2. More specifically, the first slitSL1 includes a first portion SL11 located around the first display areaDA1, a second portion SL12 around the second display area DA2 and athird portion SL13 located in the opening OP. The first portion SL11 isprovided between the first sealant SE1 and the peripheral side S12 ofthe first display area DA1 and between the second sealant SE2 and theopposing side S11 of the first display area DA1. The second portion SL12is provided between the first sealant SE1 and the peripheral side S22 ofthe second display area DA2 and between the second sealant SE2 and theopposing side S21 of the second display area DA2. The third portion SL13connects the first portion SL11 and the second portion SL12 with eachother is a position overlapping the second light shield LS2. In thelight shield LS, the part located on the inner side with respect to thefirst slit SL1 is separated from the part on an outer side of the firstslit SL1.

In such a configuration example as well, an advantageous effect similarto that described above can be obtained.

In this modified example as well, the first and second black matrixesBM1 and BM2 are formed in the respective portions corresponding to thefirst and second display areas DA1 and DA2. With this structure, thedisplay device DSP of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 comprises an outerlight shield ELS on an outer side of the first slit SL1, and an innerlight shield ILS on an inner side of the first slit SL1.

The outer light shield ELS includes the outer frame EF provided alongthe peripheral sides S12 and S22 of the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2, and a pair of protruding portions PR protrudingfrom the outer frame EF towards between the opposing sides S11 and S21of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. The outerframe EF is provided to cover the first sealant SE1 and the protrudingportions PR are provided to cover the second sealant SE2.

Moreover, the inner light shield ILS comprises an inner frame IFprovided along the first portion SL11, the second portion SL12 and thethird portion SL13 of the first slit SL1, a middle portion MD providedto oppose the opening OP and extend from one third portion SL13 to theother third portion SL13. The inner light shield ILS also comprises afirst black matrix BM1 provided in the first display area DA1 and asecond black matrix BM2 provided in the second display area DA2. Thefirst black matrix BM1 comprises openings at positions opposing thepixel electrodes of the pixels, and four peripheral sides connected withthe inner frame IF and the middle portion MD. Similarly, the secondblack matrix BM2 comprises openings at positions opposing the pixelelectrodes of the pixels, and four peripheral sides connected with theinner frame IF and the middle portion MD.

Moreover, the first light shield LS1 includes the outer frame EF, aportion of the inner frame IF, which corresponds to the peripheral sideS12 of the first display area DA1, and a portion corresponding to theperipheral side S22 of the second display area DA2. The second lightshield LS2 includes the protruding portions PR, the middle portion MD,and a portion of the inner frame IF, which corresponds to the opposingside 511 of the first display area DA1, and a portion of the inner frameIF, which corresponds to the opposing side S21 of the second displayarea DA2. The first and second slits SL1 and SL2 are formed across thefirst light shield LS1 and the second light shield LS2.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the displaydevice DSP.

The configuration example shown in FIG. 3 is different from that of FIG.1 in that the first slit SL1 surrounds both of the first display areaDA1 and the second display area DA2. The first slit SL1 is formed into arectangular shape. The first slit SL1 is formed to surround theperipheral side S12 of the first display area DA1 and the peripheralside S22 of the second display area DA2 and to intersect the secondsealant SL2. In the light shield LS, the part on the inner side withrespect to the first slit SL1 is separated from the part on the outerside of the first slit SL1.

In such a configuration example as well, an advantageous effect similarto that described above can be obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it suffices if the first slit SL1 surrounds atleast the first display area DA1 of the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2.

In this modified example as well, the first and second black matrixesBM1 and BM2 are formed in the parts corresponding to the first andsecond display areas DA1 and DA2. With this structure, the displaydevice DSP of this embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes the outer lightshield ELS on an outer side of the first slit SL1, and the inner lightshield ILS on an inner side of the first slit SL1.

The outer light shield ELS includes an outer frame EF provided along theperipheral sides S12 and S22 of the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2. The outer frame EF is provided to cover thefirst sealant SE1.

Moreover, the inner light shield ILS comprises an inner frame IFprovided along the first slit SL1, an inner bridge IBR provided alongthe opposing sides S11 and S21 of the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2, and a first black matrix BM1 provided in thefirst display area DA1 and a second black matrix BM2 provided in thesecond display area DA2. The first black matrix BM1 is formed tocomprise openings at positions opposing the pixel electrodes of thepixels, and four peripheral sides thereof 4 are connected with the innerframe IF and the inner bridge IBR. Similarly, the second black matrixBM2 is formed to comprise openings at positions opposing the pixelelectrodes of the pixels, and four peripheral sides thereof areconnected with the inner frame IF and the inner bridge IBR.

Moreover, the first light shield LS1 includes the outer frame EF, aportion of the inner frame IF, which corresponds to the peripheral sideS12 of the first display area DA1 and a portion corresponding to theperipheral side S22 of the second display area DA2. The second lightshield LS2 includes the inner bridge IBR. Further, in this modifiedexample, the first slit SL1 is provided to intersect the second sealantSE2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the main configuration of the firstsubstrate SUB1.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a plurality of scanning lines G1provided in the first display area DA1, a plurality of scanning lines G2provided in the second display area DA2, and a plurality of signal linesS provided across the first display area DA1 and the second display areaDA2.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises gate drivers GD11 and GD12 providedclose to the first display area DA1, and gate drivers GD21 and GD22provided close to the second display area DA2. The gate drivers GD11 andGD21 are connected to each other via a bus wiring line B1. The gatedrivers GD12 and GD22 are connected to each other via a bus wiring lineB2. The bus wiring lines B1 and B2 are electrically connected with, forexample, the IC chip 1. Each of the bus wiring lines B1 and B2 include,for example, a wire for supplying a start pulse, a wire for supplying aclock, a high-potential power line (VGH), a low-potential power line(VGL) and the like. Of the bus wiring line B1, a portion between a gatedriver GD11 and a gate driver GD21 is referred to as a relay portionBR1. Moreover, of the bus wiring line B2, a portion between a gatedriver GD12 and a gate driver GD22 is referred to as a relay portionBR2. The relay portions BR1 and BR2 do not include a circuitconfiguration. Now, the relationship between the first light shield LS1and the second light shield LS2 shown in FIG. 1 or the like and the gatedrivers GD12 and GD22 will be focused. The gate drivers GD12 and GD22overlap the first light shield LS1. The relay portion BR2 is provided ina connection portion (intersecting portion) between the first lightshield LS1 and the second light shield LS2. Near the connection portion,no circuit configurations of the gate drivers GD12 and GD22 areprovided. Note that similarly, the relay portion BR1 is provided in theconnection portion.

The scanning lines G1 are electrically connected to at least one of thegate drivers GD11 and GD12. The scanning lines G2 are electricallyconnected to at least one of the gate drivers GD21 and GD22.

The IC chip 1 comprises a display driver DD. The display driver DDoutputs signals required for image display, such as video signals to thedisplay panel PNL in an image display mode for displaying images. Thesignal lines S are electrically connected to the display driver DD. Thesignal lines S are each electrically connected to the first pixel PX1and the second pixel PX2.

For example, in the pixel PX1, the first substrate SUB1 comprises aswitching element SW1 and a pixel electrode PE1. The switching elementSW1 is electrically connected to a scanning line G1 and a signal lineS1. The pixel electrode PE1 is electrically connected to the switchingelement SW1. Moreover, the first substrate SUB1 comprises a commonelectrode CE1. The common electrode CE1 is shared by a plurality ofpixels PX1. Note that the common electrode CE1 may as well be providedin the second substrate SUB2. A capacitance CS1 is formed, for example,between an electrode having the same potential as that of the commonelectrode CE1 and an electrode having the same potential as that of thepixel electrode PE1. In the first display area DA1, the liquid crystalmolecules of the liquid crystal layer LC changes their alignmentdirections due to an electric field produced between the pixel electrodePE1 and the common electrode CE1.

In the pixel PX2, the substrate SUB1 comprises a switching element SW2and a pixel electrode PE2. The switching element SW2 is electricallyconnected to a scanning line G2 and a signal line S. The pixel electrodePE2 is electrically connected to the switching element SW2. Moreover,the first substrate SUB1 comprises a common electrode CE2. The commonelectrode CE2 is shared by a plurality of second pixels PX2. The commonelectrode CE2 may be provided in the second substrate SUB2. Acapacitance CS2 is formed, for example, between an electrode having thesame potential as that of the common electrode CE2 and an electrodehaving the same potential as that of the pixel electrode PE2. In thesecond display area DA2, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquidcrystal layer LC changes their alignment directions due to an electricfield produced between the pixel electrode PE2 and the common electrodeCE2. Note that the first pixels PX1 and the second pixels PX2 eachcomprises a color filter, and these color filters may be provided in thefirst substrate SUB1 or in the second substrate SUB2.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the spatial relationship between signallines S, a second sealant SE2, a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2.

Each of the signal lines S intersects the second light shield LS2 and isprovided across the first display area DA1 and second display area DA2without breaking off. Of the signal lines S, the first signal line S1overlaps the opening OP of the second sealant SE2 in the second lightshield LS2. Moreover, the second signal line S2 intersects the secondsealant SE2 in the second light shield LS2. In the example illustrated,the first signal line Si and the second signal line S2 intersect thefirst slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 in the second light shield LS2.

Note that no scanning lines overlapping the second light shield LS2 andthe second sealant SE2 are provided. Or no wiring lines intersecting thesignal lines S are provided in the region overlapping the second lightshield LS2 or the second sealant SE2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 isa diagram showing a light shield LS and color filters CF.

In FIG. 6, the light shield LS is indicated by a solid line. The firstlight shield LS1 is connected to each of the first black matrix BM1provided in the first display area DA1 and the second black matrix BM2provided in the second display area DA2. The first and second blackmatrixes BM1 and BM2 extend along the first direction X. The first blackmatrix BM1 is provided to overlap the scanning line G1 shown in FIG. 4or the like. The second black matrix BM2 is provided to overlap thescanning line G2.

The color filter CF comprises color filters CF1, CF2 and CF3. The colorfilters CF1, CF2 and CF3 are disposed in the first display area DA1 andthe second display area DA2 and arranged along with the first directionX to extend out along the second direction Y. The color filters CF1, CF2and CF3 intersect the first black matrix BM1 in the first display areaDA1 and also intersect the second black matrix BM2 in the second displayarea DA2. The color filters CF1 to CF3 are filters of colors differentfrom each other. For example, the color filter CF1 is a red colorfilter, the color filter CF2 is a green color filter, and the colorfilter CF3 is a blue color filter. The color filters CF1 and CF3 arestacked on one another to overlap the first slit SL1 and the second slitSL2. With this structure, the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 canremarkably reduce leaking of light.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7illustrates a light shield LS, signal lines S and a feeder line F.

The signal lines S intersect the first black matrix BM1 in the firstdisplay area DA1, and then intersects the second light shield LS2, andfurther intersects the second black matrix BM2 in the second displayarea DA2. Each signal line S includes a first portion SA which overlapsthe first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and a secondportion SB which overlaps the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Thefirst portion SA has a width (first width) W11 and the second portion SBhas a width (second width) W12. The width W12 is greater than the widthW11. The second portion SB overlaps the first slit SL1 located betweenthe second sealant SE2 and the first display area DA1 and overlaps thesecond slit SL2 located between the second sealant SE2 and the seconddisplay area DA2. A plurality of second portions SB are arranged to beadjacent to each other with a gap having a width (third width) W13therebetween. The width W12 is greater than the width W13. That is, thesignal lines S are formed to have an expanded line width in a positionoverlapping the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2. The signal linesare formed from a metal wire which does not transmit light, andtherefore they serve to reduce the light leakage from the first slit SL1and the second slit SL2.

Moreover, in the signal lines S, the line width is expanded in thesecond portion SB, thus reducing wiring resistance. Further, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 5, in the region overlapping the secondlight shield LS2, no wiring lines intersecting the signal line S areprovided, therefore the line width of the signal lines S is expandedwithout a consideration of the signal-line-caused parasitic capacitance.

In the region overlapping the first light shield LS1, the feeder line Fis provided to supply a common potential to the first common electrodeCE1 and the second common electrode CE2. As will be described later, thefeeder line F is provided, for example, in the same layer as that of thesignal lines S. The feeder line F is located between the first sealantSE1 and the first display area DA1 and between the first sealant SE1 andthe second display area DA2. The feeder line F has light-shieldingproperties. Further, the feeder line F overlaps the first slit SL1located between the first sealant SE1 and the first display area DA1 andalso overlaps the second slit SL2 located between the first sealant SE1and the second display area DA2. With this structure, the leakage oflight from the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 can be reduced.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8illustrates, in addition to the structure shown in FIG. 7, first pixelelectrodes PE1, second pixel electrodes PE2, a first peripheralelectrode TF1, a second peripheral electrode TF2 and the like.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a first peripheral electrode TF1, asecond peripheral electrode TF2, first pixel electrodes PE1 provided inthe first display area DA1, and second pixel electrodes PE2 provided inthe second display area DA2. The first peripheral electrode TF1 and thesecond peripheral electrode TF2 overlap the first light shield LS1 andthe second light shield LS2, respectively. The second peripheralelectrode TF2 is separated from the first peripheral electrode TF1. Thefirst peripheral electrode TF1 and the second peripheral electrode TF2each partially overlap the feeder line F. Further, the first peripheralelectrode TF1 overlaps the first slit SL1, and the second peripheralelectrode TF2 overlaps the second slit SL2.

The first peripheral electrode TF1 is provided around the first displayarea DA1 and is separated from the first pixel electrode PE1. The firstperipheral electrode TF1 includes a dummy pattern DP1 having a shapesimilar to that of the first pixel electrode PE1 in a side adjacent tothe first display area DA1. The dummy pattern DP1 is aligned with thefirst pixel electrode PE1. That is, in the first direction X, the dummypatterns DP1 are aligned with the first pixel electrodes PE1 locatedoutermost in the first display area DA1. The arrangement along thesecond direction Y is similarly to this. Thus, the first peripheralelectrode TF1 includes a plurality of dummy patterns DP1 formed tocorrespond to the arrangement of first pixel electrodes PE1 along theperipheral side S12 and the opposing side S11 of the first display areaDA1. The second peripheral electrode TF2 is provided around the seconddisplay area DA2 and is separated from the second pixel electrode PE2.The second peripheral electrode TF2 includes a dummy pattern DP2 havinga shape similar to that of the second pixel electrode PE2 in a sideadjacent to the second display area DA2. The relationship between thedummy pattern DP2 and the second pixel electrode PE2 in the seconddisplay area DA2 is similar to that of the first display area DA1. Thedummy patterns DP1 and DP2 overlap the on first light shield LS1 and thesecond light shield LS2, respectively.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the first black matrix BM1 is provided inthe first display area DA1. The first black matrix BM1 is formed toextend along the first direction X to cover the scanning line and toextend also along the second direction Y to cover the signal lines S.The first black matrix BM1 has a mesh (or lattice) structure whichopenings are provided in parts opposing the first pixel electrodes PE1.The second black matrix BM2 has a structure similar to that of the firstblack matrix BM1.

The sizes of the openings of the first and second black matrixes BM1 andBM2 differ from one pixel to another. More specifically, the distancesbetween the adjacent pixels in the second direction Y, which definewidths of the black matrixes BM1 and BM2 in each adjacent pixels(openings), differ from one pixel row to another. By contrast, the widthof the second light shield LS2 is sufficiently large as compared to thegreatest width of the black matrixes BM1 and BM2, and has a size ofabout 10 to 200 times as large as the width between the adjacent pixels(or a size equivalent to a total width of about 10 to 200 pixelsarranged along the second direction Y). Moreover, the second lightshield LS2 includes the first and second slits SL1 and SL2 extendingalong the first direction X. The first and second slits SL1 and SL2 areformed to have the same width from one side to the other side of thefirst and second display areas DA1 and DA2, and the length thereof alongthe first direction X is greater than the length of the first displayarea DA1 and the second display area DA2 along the first direction X. Onthe other hand, the first and second black matrixes BM1 and BM2 do nothave a slit extending over from one display end to the other side alongthe first direction X, such as the first and second slits SL1 and SL2.

FIG. 9 is an expanded plan view of the area A shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9illustrates, in addition to the structure shown in FIG. 8, a firstcommon electrode CE1, a second common electrode CE2 and the like.

The first common electrode CE1 overlaps the first pixel electrode PE1 inthe first display area DA1. The first common electrode CE1 comprises aslit SL11 in the first display area DA1. The slit SL11 is provided so asto overlap the first black matrix BM1. Moreover, the first commonelectrode CE1 overlaps the first peripheral electrode TF1 including thedummy pattern DP1. The first peripheral electrode TF1 and the firstcommon electrode CE1 overlap the first light shield LS1 and the secondlight shield LS2. Moreover, the first peripheral electrode TF1 and thefirst common electrode CE1 overlap the first slit SL1 between the secondsealant SE2 and the first display area DA1. In the first connectionportion CN1 overlapping the first light shield LS1, the feeder line F,the first common electrode CE1 and the first peripheral electrode TF1are electrically connected to each other. That is, the first peripheralelectrode TF1 is at the same potential as that of the first commonelectrode CE1.

As described above, in the surroundings of the first display area DA1,the dummy pattern DP of the first peripheral electrode TF1 1 and thefirst common electrode CE1 overlap each other, and thus they are at thesame potential at all times regardless of the display state of the firstdisplay area DA1. That is, in a region of the light shield LS, which isparticularly close to the first display area DA1, the initial alignmentstate of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained. In a normally blackmode which displays black in the state where there is no potentialdifference between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the first commonelectrode CE1, the state where black is displayed is maintained aroundthe first display area DA1. With this structure, the leakage of lightfrom a portion of the first slit SL1, which overlaps the firstperipheral electrode TF1 and the first common electrode CE1 can besuppressed.

The second common electrode CE2 is separated from the first commonelectrode CE1. The second common electrode CE2 overlaps the second pixelelectrode PE2 in the second display area DA2. The second commonelectrode CE2 comprises a slit SL12 in the second display area DA2. Theslit SL12 is provided so as to overlap the second black matrix BM2.Moreover, the second common electrode CE2 overlaps the second peripheralelectrode TF2 including the dummy pattern DP2. The second peripheralelectrode TF2 and the second common electrode CE2 overlap the firstlight shield LS1 and the second light shield LS2. Moreover, the secondperipheral electrode TF2 and the second common electrode CE2 overlap thesecond slit SL2 between the second sealant SE2 and the second displayarea DA2. In the second connection portion CN2 overlapping the firstlight shield LS1, the feeder line F, the second common electrode CE2 andthe second peripheral electrode TF2 are electrically connected to eachother. In the surroundings of the second display area DA2 as well, thedummy pattern DP2 of the second peripheral electrode TF2 and the secondcommon electrode CE2 overlap each other. Thus, they are at the samepotential, and the liquid crystal molecules are maintained in theinitial alignment state. That is, the state where black is displayed ismaintained also around the second display area DA2. Therefore, theleakage of light from a portion of the second slit SL2, which overlapsthe second peripheral electrode TF2 and the second common electrode CE2can be suppressed.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of the display panel PNL taken along line A-Bon the signal line S shown in FIG. 8.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a insulating substrate 10, insulatingfilms 11 to 13, a signal line S, metallic wiring lines M1 and M2, afirst common electrode CE1, a second common electrode CE2, a firstperipheral electrode TF1, a second peripheral electrode TF2, analignment film AL1 and the like. Note that the scanning lines G1 and G2and the switching elements SW1 and SW2 shown in FIG. 4 are formedbetween the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating film 11. Thesignal line S is provided between the insulating films 11 and 12. Themetallic wiring lines M1 and M2 are formed between the insulating films12 and 13. Note that FIGS. 8 and 9 do not illustrate the metallic wiringlines M1 and M2, but the metallic wiring lines M1 and M2 are provided toextend along the second direction Y and overlap the signal line S. Themetallic wiring line M1 intersects the slit SL11 and is in contact withthe first common electrode CE1. With this structure, first commonelectrodes CE1 arranged along the second direction Y with the slit SL11therebetween are electrically connected to each other by the metallicwiring line M1, and thus the resistance of the first common electrodesCE1 is lowered. In the slit SL11, the insulating film 13 covers themetallic wiring line Ml. Moreover, the metallic wiring line M2intersects the slit SL12, and is in contact with the second commonelectrode CE2. With this structure, second common electrodes CE2arranged along the second direction Y are electrically connected to eachother by the metallic wiring line M2, and thus the resistance of thesecond common electrode CE2 is lowered. In the slit SL12, the insulatingfilm 13 covers the metallic wiring line M2. The metallic wiring lines M1and M2 overlap the same signal line S, but they are broken off betweenthe first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Note thatsuch a structure may be adopted that the metallic wiring lines M1 and M2are connected to each other (to form one metallic wiring as a result ofbeing connected together).

The first peripheral electrode TF1 and the second peripheral electrodeTF2 are provided between the insulating film 13 and the alignment filmAL1. In the cross section shown in FIG. 10, the insulating film 13 isinterposed between the first common electrode CE1 and the firstperipheral electrode TF1 and between the second common electrode CE2 andthe second peripheral electrode TF2.

The second substrate SUB2 comprises an insulating substrate 20, firstand second black matrixes BM1 and BM2, a second light shield LS2, colorfilters CF1, CF2 and CF3, an overcoat layer OC, an alignment film AL2,spacers SP and the like. The color filters CF3 are located respectivelyin the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2, and the color filters CF1are stacked on the color filters CF3 in positions overlapping the firstslit SL1 and the second slit SL2, respectively. The color filters CF1and CF3, which are of different colors, overlap each other along thethird direction Z, and thus the leakage of light from the first slit SL1and the second slit SL2 can be suppressed. Note that one- orthree-layered structure can be adopted for the color filters CF whichoverlap the first and second slits SL1 and SL2. Or, for the two-layerstructure, a combination other than that shown in FIG. 10 can as well beemployed. Moreover, a color filter CF2 is located in a positionoverlapping the spacer SP to adjust the height of the spacer SP.Naturally, such a structure can be adopted as well that the colorfilters CF1 and CF3 are employed in place of the color filter CF2 orsome of these color filters are stacked on one another.

The insulating substrates 10 and 20 are transparent glass substrates orresin substrates. The insulating films 11 and 13 are transparentinorganic insulating films. The insulating film 12 and the overcoatlayer OC are transparent organic insulating films. The signal line S andthe metallic wiring lines M1 and M2 are formed of an opaque metalmaterial. The first common electrode CE1, the second common electrodeCE2, the first peripheral electrode TF1 and the second peripheralelectrode TF2 are formed from a transparent conductive material.

The second sealant SE2 is provided between the first common electrodeCE1 and the second common electrode CE2 directly under the second lightshield LS2. Or the second sealant SE2 is provided between the firstperipheral electrode TF1 and the second peripheral electrode TF2. Asdescribed above, the second sealant SE2 contains in-sealant spacers SS(or may be referred to as fillers). The second sealant SE2 is in contactwith each of the alignment films AL1 and AL2. Note that the particlediameter of the filler can be selected as needed. Naturally, theemployable particle diameter may be equivalent to or less than that of agap (or also referred to as cell gap) between the first substrate SUB1and the second substrate SUB2, or particle diameters. Moreover, asealant which does not contain any filler is also employable.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the insulating film 12 comprises aconcavity 12C between the first display area DA1 and the second displayarea DA2. That is, the insulating film 12 is partially thinned. Thesecond sealant SE2 is provided so as to overlap the concavity 12C. Withthis structure, when the second sealant SE2 is formed, spreading of thesealant over to the first display area DA1 and the second display areaDA2 is suppressed. Moreover, if a load is applied to a central portionof the display panel PNL, displacement of the second sealant SE2 towardsa first display area DA1 side or towards a second display area DA2 issuppressed. Moreover, the signal lines S pass through the lower portionof the second sealant SE2 from the first display area DA1 towards thesecond display area DA2.

The first optical element OD1 is adhered to the insulating substrate 10,and the second optical element OD2 is adhered to the insulatingsubstrate 20. Each of the first optical element OD1 and the secondoptical element OD2 may comprise at least a first polarizer PL1 and asecond polarizer PL2, and may include a retardation film or the like asneeded. A first polarization axis AX1 of the first polarizer PL1 and asecond polarization axis AX2 of the second polarizer PL2 are atcross-Nicol. At the liquid crystal is OFF, the light penetrating thefirst polarizer PL1 and entering the display panel PNL is linearlypolarized light normal to the first polarization axis AX1. Thepolarization state of the linearly polarized light substantially doesnot vary when the light passes through the liquid crystal layer LC whenoff. Therefore, the linearly polarized light which passes through thedisplay panel PNL is absorbed by the second polarizer PL2 which is in across-Nicol relationship with the first polarizer PL1. Thus, asdescribed above, in a position which overlaps the first peripheralelectrode TF1 and the second peripheral electrode TF2, a black displaycan be realized and the leakage of light from the first slit SL1 and thesecond slit SL2 can be suppressed. Even if the metallic wiring lines andthe like, have a light-shielding effect cannot be arranged in positionsoverlapping the first slit SL1 or the second slit SL2 for reason oflayout, the light-shielding can be achieved by the first peripheralelectrode TF1 and the second peripheral electrode TF2. Moreover, even ifthe color filters CF1 and CF3 stacking one on another cannot perfectlyachieve the shielding of light, the leakage of light from the first slitSL1 and the second slit SL2 can be suppressed by the first peripheralelectrode TF1 and the second peripheral electrode TF2.

FIG. 11 is a cross section showing the display panel PNL taken alongline C-D shown in FIG. 9.

In the first substrate SUB1, a drain electrode DE of a switchingelement, a feeder line F and bus wiring lines B1 are formed between theinsulating films 11 and 12 as in the case of the signal lines S. Themetallic wiring lines M1 are formed so as to overlap the signal lines S,respectively. The first common electrode CE1 is in contact with thefeeder line F so as to electrically connect them to each other in thefirst connection portion CN1. The first peripheral electrodes TF1 are incontact with the first common electrode CE1 so as to be electricallyconnected to each other in the first connection portion CN1. The firstpixel electrodes PE1 are provided between the insulating film 13 and thealignment film AL1 as in the case of the first peripheral electrode TF1.Note that in the second display area DA2 (not shown), the second pixelelectrodes PE2 are provided between the insulating film 13 and thealignment film AL1. The first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixelelectrode PE2 are formed from the same transparent conductive materialas that of the first peripheral electrode TF1. The first pixelelectrodes PE1 are brought into contact with the drain electrode DE ofthe switching element so as to electrically connect them to each other.The first spacer SP1 is provided in the connection portion between thefirst pixel electrodes PE1 and the drain electrode DE.

In the second substrate SUB2, the first light shield LS1 is providedbetween the insulating substrate 20 and the overcoat layer OC as in thecase of the second light shield LS2. The color filter CF partiallyoverlaps the second light shield LS2. The second spacer SP2 is providedto be in contact with the first spacer SP1. The first spacer SP1 and thesecond spacer SP2 form the cell gap.

The first sealant SE1 is provided directly under the first light shieldLS1, so as to be in contact with each of the alignment films AL1 andAL2. The first sealant SE1 contains an in-sealant spacer SS as in thecase of the second sealant SE2. The color filters CF1 and CF3 and thefeeder line F are located in positions overlapping the first slit SL1 ofthe light shield LS. With such a configuration that these membersoverlap each other, the leakage of light from the first slit SL1 can besignificantly suppressed.

As described above, according to the embodiment, in the display panelPNL comprising two displays, the first and second display area DA1 andDA2, the light shield LS is provided across the first and second displayareas DA1, and the first and second slits SL1 and SL2, which surroundthe first and second display areas DA1 and DA2, respectively, and alsothe slit (first slit SL1) which collectively surrounds both of the firstand second display areas DA1 and DA2 are provided in the light shieldLS. With this structure, it is possible to suppress static electricityfrom reaching each of the first and second display areas DA1 and DA2 viathe light shield LS. Thus, a display device which can suppressdeterioration of display quality can be obtained.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. For example, such a configuration that comprises a thirddisplay area can be adopted as well. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modified examples aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a first display area in which a first pixel is provided; a second display area in which a second pixel is provided, the second display area provided next to the first display area; a light shield surrounding the first display area and the second display area separately, a first slit provided in the light shield, a first sealant surrounding the first display area and the second display area; and a second sealant located between the first display area and the second display area, wherein the second sealant comprises at least one opening which communicates the first display area and the second display area to each other, and the first slit is provided along an outer circumference of the first display area and an outer circumference of the second display area, and overlaps a base end of the second sealant which is connected with the first sealant.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first slit is located between an inner edge of the light shield and the first sealant in a plan view.
 3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the light shield comprises an outer frame which is a portion outside of the first slit, an inner frame which is a portion inside of the first slit, and an inner bridge which connects the inner frame and overlaps the second sealant.
 4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the first slit extends along a base end of the inner bridge.
 5. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first slit completely encloses the first display area and the second display area without any breaks.
 6. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a feeder having light-shielding property between the first sealant and the first display area; wherein the feeder overlaps the first slit located between the first sealant and the first display area.
 7. The display device of claim 6, further comprising: a pixel electrode provided in the first display area; a peripheral electrode provided in a circumference of the first display area and separated from the pixel electrode; and a common electrode overlapping both of the pixel electrode and the peripheral electrode, wherein the peripheral electrode and the common electrode are electrically connected to the feeder, and overlap the first slit between the second sealant and the first display area.
 8. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a first color filter and a second color filter stacking on the first slit, wherein a color of the first color filter is different from a color of the second color filter.
 9. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a first polarizer and a second polarizer, wherein a first polarization axis of the first polarizer and a second polarization axis of the second polarizer are at cross-Nicol.
 10. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of signal lines provided continuously across the first display area and the second display area, wherein each of the signal lines includes a first portion having a first width and overlapping the first display area, and a second portion having a second width and overlapping the first slit between the first display area and the second display area, and the second width is greater than the first width.
 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein a plurality of second portions are located next to each other with a gap having a third width there between, and the second width is greater than the third width. 